“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?” (Ps 2:1)
Fear. Division. Destruction. This is the world we live in. It feels as though Psalm 2 speaks directly to our time. “Why?” we also want to ask. Why don’t we realise it’s not an enemy who wants to destroy us; it’s our fellow human beings? In essence, rebellion against our fellow man is ultimately a rebellion against how God intends humanity to live.
Walter Brueggemann observes, “Psalm 2 is an intense reflection on the nature of God’s sovereignty in the face of human rebellion.” Sovereignty means that God has the final say over everything. As Job confesses: “I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).
The question is, do we trust in God’s sovereignty? Do we believe that God, amid the chaos surrounding us, still holds ultimate control? Even when it doesn’t seem like it? Do we only see the chaos, or do we also see how God laughs at the absurdity? (See v4). God is by no means indifferent to human suffering; there are too many psalms describing God’s compassion. But first, we need to know who God is! When it seems like there will never be peace among nations, Psalm 2 reminds us of a bigger picture. The psalm ends with these words: “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him” (v12b). Not even the strongest economy with the most powerful military and nuclear weapons can compete with the shelter that God offers.
God’s sovereignty isn’t just a grand concept. It’s a reality that changes everything. Do you believe it?
PRAYER: So many things make me afraid; but thank you that I can take refuge in You.
MUSIC:
The Westminster Cathedral Choir sings Psalm 2 as the introduction to a Midnight Mass (2009).
From the lyrics:
Psalm 2
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.